Where to Go for Additional Information and Support
| The Internet is abuzz with great accessibility information and also contains solid examples of how sites can be made accessible while still maintaining an exciting look and feel. TIP The accessibility issue is one of the hottest topics on the Internet right now. Even if you don't consider the accessibility issue to be something that specifically concerns your products or sites, bringing yourself up-to-date with the latest issues can only make you a better developer. Microsoft ArticlesMicrosoft has issued an article that contains specific design suggestions for using FrontPage to make a Web site more accessible. It was written for FrontPage 2002, but it contains information valuable to the FrontPage 2003 user. When Microsoft publishes a FrontPage 2003 version of the article, we'll update this link accordingly.
Section 508 ResourcesThe U.S. government maintains the following (accessible) Web site about Section 508. The site contains information on the law, options for training, and links to a program for vendors who provide Section 508 related products and services.
AccVerifyHiSoftware, of Concord, New Hampshire, has a very powerful product called AccVerify that works with your Web site to verify and repair Web site issues relating to accessibility, site quality, and searchability. It has a plug-in for the product that works with FrontPage and should be considered when taking on any large scale compliance project.
Web Site Accessibility Resource CenterThis regularly updated site contains important links and information regarding the latest issues in Web site accessibility. Because it is run by a FrontPage MVP, you know that the content will remain FrontPage friendly.
Accessibility Resources at MicrosoftThe Microsoft Accessibility area contains constantly updated content on making information accessible. It also stands as a good example for making an accessible Web site. Sign up for the free newsletter to be kept up-to-date with the latest issues in accessibility across all Microsoft products.
Accessibility Resources at MSDNMSDN contains a continually growing reference area of code and content specific to making products accessible. Although the content isn't always Web specific, it is a valuable resource that shouldn't be overlooked.
Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)The WAI is the project name of the efforts behind the W3C's push for accessibility. The following URL takes you to the project Web site and provides solid information on the topic. The site obviously contains specific guidelines, but it also provides techniques and checklists for creating specific Web sites that should be used by any developer who considers this topic important.
International Accessibility IssuesIt should be of no surprise that there are a number of international issues related to accessibility and Web design. This resource will start you on the process of understanding these needs and requirements as well.
Bobby Online Free PortalLong before the FrontPage accessibility checker, the free Bobby Online portal was in existence. The site has checked millions of pages on-the-fly and has become a standard in many a developer's toolbox. The free version can only check one page at a time (and requires that they be online) but is always worth a look. Figure 12.7. The Bobby Online Free Portal (http://bobby.frontpagelink.com) will take any page on the Web and check it against either standard on-the-fly.
TIP It never hurts to get a second opinion. Even with the addition of the accessibility checker to FrontPage 2003, still consider using Bobby with your sites as a second layer of protection. How People with Disabilities Use the WebYou'd be surprised by the large amount of users with disabilities who surf the Internet on a regular basis. Wonder how they do it? Looking for a better understanding of how people with disabilities use the Web? This article provides a fascinating look into this very topic.
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